‘Audrey Munson: America’s First Supermodel’ Webinar

While modern supermodel legends like Gisele Bündchen, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell have posed for thousands of photographs throughout their career, can any of them say they’ve modeled for a sculpture? This is the story of Audrey Munson, and how one unassuming girl from Rochester, NY in 1909 became the world’s very first supermodel by gracing some of the country’s most beautiful buildings and memorials, many of which are still standing — especially all throughout New York City.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the life of Audrey Munson, an unknown performer in the early 20th century who quickly became the favorite model to America’s leading sculptors.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this digital showcase of America’s first supermodel will include:

– The biography of “Miss Manhattan,” including her early days as a performer, the rise of her modeling career, her debut on the silver screen, and her eventual ruin — a tale of love and murder

– A look at the many Beaux-Arts buildings and memorials featuring her sculptures, many of which are in New York City

– Stories behind this fascinating woman, from her achievements, to struggles, to intrigues

– A discussion around her achievement as the first nude, non-pornographic actress on the moving screen – a rather frustrating adventure for her

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about Audrey Munson are welcomed and encouraged!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.











When: Wed., Jul. 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

While modern supermodel legends like Gisele Bündchen, Cindy Crawford, and Naomi Campbell have posed for thousands of photographs throughout their career, can any of them say they’ve modeled for a sculpture? This is the story of Audrey Munson, and how one unassuming girl from Rochester, NY in 1909 became the world’s very first supermodel by gracing some of the country’s most beautiful buildings and memorials, many of which are still standing — especially all throughout New York City.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore the life of Audrey Munson, an unknown performer in the early 20th century who quickly became the favorite model to America’s leading sculptors.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this digital showcase of America’s first supermodel will include:

– The biography of “Miss Manhattan,” including her early days as a performer, the rise of her modeling career, her debut on the silver screen, and her eventual ruin — a tale of love and murder

– A look at the many Beaux-Arts buildings and memorials featuring her sculptures, many of which are in New York City

– Stories behind this fascinating woman, from her achievements, to struggles, to intrigues

– A discussion around her achievement as the first nude, non-pornographic actress on the moving screen – a rather frustrating adventure for her

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about Audrey Munson are welcomed and encouraged!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.

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